LIFE THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF CJE SENIORLIFE
Inside: Volunteers Make a Difference
Su mmer 201 3
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Tuesday, October 8, 2013 5:30 p.m. Reception | 6:30 p.m. Dinner and Program
Please join us at CJE SeniorLife’s annual Celebrate CJE dinner featuring The Philip Myers Band performing the legendary songs of Billy Joel and Elton John at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. To register, call 773.508.1320 or go online at www.cje.net.
Development Chair Alan I. Greene Celebrate CJE Chairs Jordy Berger Karen Rosenthal Sponsorship Chair Kalman Wenig Ad Book Chairs Leslie Markman-Stern Susan Reese Committee Marilyn D. Altman Michael Blum, MD Barbara A. Gilbert Kenneth F. Lorch James C. Mills Vicki Pines CJE Board Chair Bruce J. Lederman
CJE SeniorLife is a nonprofit, innovative eldercare provider that serves 19,000 older adults and their family members through life enrichment, supportive resources, healthcare, research and education.
CJE President & CEO Mark D. Weiner
Dietary laws observed.
CJE Sr. Development Specialist Jennifer Elvey Schnepper
CJE Executive Vice President & CFO Joseph Atkin CJE Director of Development Allyson Marks Greenfield
CJE SeniorLifeTM is a partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. 5.2013
VIEWPOINT LIFE MAGAZINE STAFF Senior Director, Marketing Carole Klein-Alexander Manager, Marketing and Communications Mary Keen Public Relations and Media Specialist Nicole Bruce Senior Graphic Designer Chris Underdown E-marketing Specialist Lana Gorelova Read Life Magazine online at www.cje.net/life. CONTRIBUTORS Mark D. Weiner, President and CEO
PHOTOGRAPHY Cover photos by Nicole Bruce and Chris Underdown Photos on pages 4, 7, 10, and 11 via 123rf.com. We always strive for accuracy, but if you have any questions or concerns, call 773.508.1024. On the Cover: CJE volunteers celebrating and delivering meals.
Dear Readers, CJE SeniorLife has proudly served the community for more than 41 years, earning a strong reputation as being trustworthy, customer-centric and innovative. We benefit from the active involvement of 800 regular and 3,200 special event volunteers who assist staff in more than 40 program areas. They are an essential component of our collective team in helping over 19,000 clients, residents and family members each year. There is no singular description for a CJE SeniorLife volunteer. A “typical” volunteer can be an infant in a mother’s arms or 90-years-old; from any religious and ethnic background; a representative from a school, synagogue or corporation; talented in singing, drawing or dancing; or a puppy that provides Pet Therapy. The primary common thread is that our volunteers have a passion for helping older adults. I can speak on a personal level about being a volunteer: I have the privilege to lead the Friday evening kiddush service at Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation every other week. I have so enjoyed getting to know my many friends while doing this. (Their strong voices help me with my singing!) This, plus other CJE experiences, remind me about the importance of my work and contribution to the community. In this issue of LIFE, you will read about a small handful of our volunteers, but there are many more like them. And we can always use more! We encourage people to volunteer for whatever reason is right for them—whether it’s to add a valuable volunteer experience to a resume, to honor the memory of a beloved grandma, to fulfill a school requirement or satisfy a desire to give back to the community. For many young adults, volunteering at CJE can be an important component in becoming a B’nai Mitzvah. We are also exploring creative ways to meet the changing needs of volunteers. As Boomers are retiring, they are looking for a meaningful “second act.” Our emerging Skill Based Volunteer Program will seek experienced people who have life and work skills that they’d like to maintain and share (see article, pg. 6). The Program provides professional guidance on a continuing basis, as well as access to cutting-edge research, programs and learning opportunities. We encourage anyone who has transferable skills to contact us. I must now add a special note about the CJE Board of Directors who are extraordinarily talented and committed individuals. They proudly own the CJE Mission, aid with our ongoing strategic and policy guidance and advance our message in the community. In conclusion, I thank all of our volunteers who help CJE provide “added value” to our clients, residents and the larger community. We are always looking for new volunteers who want to share their special talents with us. If you feel you connect with the needs of older adults and have some time, please call us. Good wishes for a healthy and fun summer.
CJE SeniorLife is a partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
Mark D. Weiner President and CEO
Give a Little…Get a Lot: The Joy of Volunteering by Mary Keen
We see people volunteering all the time. Whether they’re visiting the elderly, delivering meals, stuffing envelopes and more, it’s obvious that volunteering helps an individual, group or organization. But let’s face it—volunteering also helps volunteers themselves.
in need, someone might help them. Other more insightful and philosophical reasons are: giving hope and inspiration to those in need; showing people that there are others who care about them; and showing that there can be something good that comes out of an unfortunate situation.
This prompts us to ask “Why do people volunteer?” In our discussions with many volunteers, the old adage, “Doing good is its own reward” was the operative theme. They told us that the main reason they volunteer is because it makes them feel good. Many volunteers spoke about giving back for all the blessings they’d been given in life. Some volunteer because they are still able to, and they want to help people less able. Others spoke of paying it forward—doing good things so that if they are
Why is volunteering important? We all know that volunteers’ contributions help organizations provide services that may not get done otherwise. But volunteers also can gain experience that they may not get elsewhere, such as building their confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, Americans volunteer in great numbers. According to a report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers worked over eight billion hours in
2011. At an estimated $19 per hour average, that’s worth over $170 billion to the organizations where volunteers contributed their time and
Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer 1. Make new friends 2. Explore career and personal interests 3. Earn great recommendations 4. Develop marketable job skills 5. Build your resume 6. Enrich your education 7. Uncover hidden skills and talents 8. Increase your self-confidence 9. Have fun 10. Make a difference From: Care2 Make a Difference
Continued on page 6
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The Stats—Volunteer Rates in the U.S. for 2012 Percent of Population By Sex
Percent of Population By Age 31.6
29.5 22.6
23.2
Percent of Volunteers By Education 29.3
27.6
23.2
29.542.2 24.4 28.7 17.3
n st ha Le s
Percent of Volunteer Causes By Type 35 30 25
H HS S So m grad ec ol Ba leg ch e elo r’s + Up
+ 65
-6 4 55
-5 4 45
-4 4 35
16
-2 4
Women
25
Men
-3 4
8.8
Percent of Volunteer Entry Methods
33.1 42.1 41.6 25.5
20
23.8
14.2
10 5
2.6
3.8 4.0 1.4
So cia l
Ed R /C uca elig om tio io m n/Y us u Ci nity outh En vic S vir /Pr erv on of ice m ess en io Ho t/A nal sp nim ita a l/H ls Pu e bl alth i Sp c or Saf ts/ et Cu y ltu ra O l th er
0
1.2
13.0
n Th O rg W eir O an e w Re izat re A n lat ion sk ive /S ed /C ch ow oo or l ke O r Em the pl r oy er
5.5
14.8
7.8
O
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How CJE Volunteers Stack Up Volunteer Rates for CJE 2012
Percent of Volunteer Activities By Type
Percent of all Volunteers By Sex
30
60 50 40 30 20
14.8
59
41
10 0
10.9 10.7 9.5
Men 8.1
6.9 6.3 5.8 4.8 4.0 3.7
Women
Percent of all Volunteers By Age 3.6
60 50
Co un se lin g/ M ed ica l Fo Oth od e Re r Fu lat nd ed r Tu aisi t La or ng /T b Pr or/ eac T of es ran h sio sp na ort Yo l/Bo ut h ard M en t Ge S or ne po Us ral rts he Offi r/ Gr ce Cl ee ot t hi ng er /C M raft us s ic/ Ar t
40
60
30 20
40
10 0
Less than 60
60+
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services. The U.S. Labor Department found that 27% of Americans volunteered last year, donating a median of 50 hours. In the European Union, the rate of volunteering is 20%. New data from the Labor Department* shows exactly who is volunteering and where. Summarized in a recent U.S. News and World Report web article,** the statistics showed that women volunteer more than men, and the more educated the group, the more
likely its members are to volunteer. Religious organizations remain the most popular venue for volunteers. Volunteers who are older (65-plus) volunteer the most, with a median of 90 hours per year. Volunteers 55 to 64 years old, are the next busiest volunteers with a median of 56 hours per year. Yet this article considers these statistics to be misleading because the hours spent caring for extended family members, who we
would call “family caregivers,” are not captured, since caring for family is not considered volunteering by the Labor Department. The article contends that this care should fall under the rubric of volunteering, because it involves people giving of their time to others. The fact that caring for an elderly loved one is informally considered volunteering, means that tireless and devoted family caregivers deserve special kudos for their volunteer work.
*U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Volunteering in the United States 2012” (released 2/22/13) **Danielle Kurtzleben, “Data Shows Women, More Educated Doing Most Volunteering.”
Tapping into Experience: Skill Based Volunteering by Mary Keen We are a nation of volunteers, with many regular citizens nourishing their desire to “give back” by volunteering in traditional ways. But a new phenomenon, due in part to the gradual retirement of the Boomer generation, is the growing number of very skilled, self-motivated and highly-educated persons in nonprofit volunteer pools. For them, Skill Based Volunteering (SBV) is an excellent way to feel fulfilled. What is Skill Based Volunteering? As its name implies, SBV requires specialized education, skills or training. It’s a particularly effective model that uses a person’s valuable intellectual capital and wealth of experience in a different capacity–as a volunteer. SBV can include individual volunteers, corporate volunteers, groups or
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interns. It can involve work on a variety of projects, for different lengths of time and during working hours or free time. SBV can require all types of skills and talents from those acquired through professional experience or through interests and hobbies. SBV is also a valuable professional development skill. And it provides rewards for
an organization: The United Way values traditional volunteering that does not require training at about $18 to $20 an hour; it values a Skill Based volunteer’s time at $40 to $500 an hour. Organizations are finding that they must be prepared for Skill Based volunteers who do not care
“More attention will need to be paid in empowering this [Boomer] generation of volunteers to continue to draw from their life’s work. In other words, we have to be prepared to better engage this productive and idealistic generation.” —The United Way
to volunteer in traditional ways. According to the United Way, skilled volunteers “will not find the same fulfillment in packing food boxes or stuffing envelopes that they did from utilizing the skills and talents required by their careers.” However, such utilization is still in its early stages. According to Points of Light Foundation, of the 62 percent of agencies that work with skilled volunteers, only 12 percent of them make an effort to align roles with skills. This gap means that many organizations miss out on a precious resource— the talent of seasoned leaders and teams who could use their skills and expertise to help improve the operations and services of nonprofits. CJE has utilized Skill Based volunteers in the past, just not in a formal way. For example, a physical therapist brought her skills to Lieberman Center and led an exercise group for a period of time. In response to the need for an official volunteer program for highly-skilled workers, CJE has recently launched its own Skill Based Volunteering Program. CJE’s Volunteer Department has had requests by volunteers for a higher level of work but has been challenged at times to find the right match: connecting a volunteer with the right skills to the right project at the right time. Something easier said than done. That’s why CJE and Mather LifeWays, an organization in
Evanston that also provides programs and residences for older adults, joined forces to create a program called Tap Into Experience (TIE). The program is twopronged: it’s designed to ready nonprofits for Skill Based volunteering at the same time that it helps volunteers to tap into their life experiences and use those experiences as volunteers. The potential rewards for CJE and volunteers are considerable. CJE offers our Skill Based volunteers active participation in our organization with ongoing support and feedback from staff members. All Skill Based volunteers will have access to a phone and computer and dedicated office space. Hours are flexible. See the inset below for our current SBV opportunities and call our Volunteer Services Department at 773.508.1064 to inquire about any of them.
Got Skills? CJE Skill-Based Volunteer Opportunities Synagogue Outreach Representative—uses communication and promotion skills to make calls and be the first point of contact with synagogues. Initiates relationships and promotes the programs of CJE. Refers interested congregations to program staff members. Newsletter Editor—uses writing, editing and design skills to produce quarterly newsletter for Adult Day Services. Coordinates the assignment of writing, design and photography projects. Assembles, prints and distributes the publication. Food Services Marketing Representative—uses sales, communications and promotion skills to recruit clients for Home-Delivered Meals and Kosher to Go programs. Volunteer Recruitment Representative—uses outreach, marketing and communications skills to engage traditional and skill-based volunteers to assist with general programs and operations of CJE.
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Volunteering for CJE A Winning Proposition by Mary Keen
Over 4,000 active volunteers donate their time to CJE, some of them doing so for decades. Their contributions do not go unnoticed by CJE staff and leadership—as witnessed by a recent round of volunteer appreciation events. We’d like to recognize the over 74,000 hours of time (worth over $1,633,000) that our volunteers donated in 2012. How do volunteers spend these thousands of hours? How do they find their way to CJE? How can one join CJE volunteers? As Director of CJE’s Volunteer Services, Anne Schuman waxes eloquently about volunteering at CJE.
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“We work with heroes,” she says. How does CJE guarantee the best volunteer experience for volunteer and client or program alike? CJE works to make a marriage between the volunteer and the benef iciary of the volunteering. Schuman explains: “We need to make sure that volunteers come away with everything they want, and that clients get something out of it. Everyone has to walk away happy. Our job is to get a volunteer and another person or program, introduce them and get them to form a relationship.” Schuman considers volunteering essential to an enriched life. “I want people to be as alive and
active as they can be for the rest of their lives,” she says. Volunteering for CJE is different from volunteering at other places: It’s not like one is volunteering with children, with their whole life ahead of them; one is volunteering with a group of people who are in the winter phase of their lives. It is up to our volunteers to bring joy into those last years, and into those last months, even into those last weeks. Volunteers often bond deeply with residents and clients. Volunteers come to memorial services of residents. Some even sit with the residents during their last hours. When a volunteer visits, it stimulates everyone. Says Schuman: “It
gets everyone excited and engaged, and they lose that ‘wheelchair mentality,’ where they sit in their wheelchair all day and wait to be taken care of.” Even younger volunteers who serve for a short period of time bond with residents. These same volunteers will come back year after year and care for those same residents. Volunteering benefits CJE in many ways, the first of which is helping to relieve staff of many routine tasks. Volunteers can also spend more time visiting with residents and clients than staff members can. Many nurses who started as volunteers at CJE, come back to CJE to work. Turns out, volunteering can be a good recruitment tool! The monetary value that volunteering brings to the organization is obvious, but Schuman extols that the added value of volunteering is how it impacts our clients and residents: “Think of how a dog-loving, bedridden person feels when the door opens, a dog jumps on the bed and then licks his face. You can’t buy that feeling; that’s priceless.” The Continuum of CJE Volunteers. CJE has many ages of volunteers, ranging from newborns carried in by their volunteer parents, to some older ones in their 90s. Not only that, CJE volunteers often flow back and forth to CJE on a smooth continuum,
more so than volunteers at other organizations. Some have volunteered for CJE and ended up living at Lieberman Center; others have lived at Lieberman Center and also volunteered to help there. Someone might come to Haag Pavilion for rehabilitation, after which he or she moves into Gidwitz Place and becomes a volunteer. Or, volunteers come to CJE having experienced any one of CJE’s many services. Volunteering is also a channel that leads clients to our services: volunteers often seek services that CJE can provide for their parents or friends. Thus, CJE volunteers are avid ambassadors and promoters of the organization. That’s why Volunteer Services has started an initiative to fully educate its volunteers about what CJE means to the community. They can speak knowledgeably to older adults and their family members about CJE’s programs and services from their first-hand experiences. Opportunities Galore. CJE’s corps of trained and willing volunteers fans out to Weinberg Community, Lieberman Center, CJE Adult Day Services—virtually all over the CJE community—on a daily basis. They work in the various libraries, kitchens, social halls—wherever there is a CJE program or presence, there is probably a volunteer. Volunteers help feed residents, they help with
transport, they help with groups in different creative activities, they make one-on-one visits, they provide pet therapy and more. Volunteers deliver meals, and volunteers run the Gift Shop. Volunteers also pitch in for seasonal, time-intensive projects. For example, at Passover, Volunteer Services was asked to wrap and seal 250 pieces of matzoh to give out with its HomeDelivered Meals. Where They Come From. Many of CJE’s volunteers come because a neighbor, friend or relative suggests CJE as a worthwhile volunteer experience. Many come through curricula offered at high schools and colleges. Many others come to CJE through synagogues and churches. Jewish students often volunteer to fulfill a service component of their bar and bat mitzvahs. CJE accepts volunteers who have been court-ordered to perform some kind of community service as a sanction imposed by their probation. CJE works with several nursing schools that have communal service as a curriculum requirement. CJE volunteers from every nationality and ethnic group bring their different talents and experiences with them for a truly enriching volunteer experience. CJE feels that it has a serious responsibility in the volunteer community to be receptive and open to large groups, unlike many other
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organizations. The group Tikkun Olam Volunteer (TOV), which is Jewish Federation’s volunteer network, organizes a camp every year and sends from 35 to 45 teens to CJE. CJE has always been TOV’s destination of choice because CJE has excellent volunteer opportunities for large groups. CJE has relationships with many corporations. Employees of McGladrey and Northern Trust Bank volunteer yearly. Volunteering is a great team-building experience; when a corporate team comes in and completes a project following a full day of activities, the emotional rewards are significant. Many volunteers are very impressed with CJE and all that it does. It’s a two-way street: these corporate volunteers often develop a new appreciation for seniors and CJE residents feel like they are “king and queen for a day.” Why They Volunteer. Many of CJE volunteers are over 50, and may be either semi-retired or retired. For many, their volunteer commitment often gives them a renewed purpose in life, a reason to get up in the morning.
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For others who are by nature irrepressible and energetic, their desire for personal enrichment is filled by volunteering. Many had parents who were active vol-
“Home-Delivered Meal volunteers are so dedicated they even come in during blizzards. They say that if they don’t work, clients will not get fed!“ –Deborah Granite, Volunteer Services unteers and they want to carry on the family tradition. Others volunteer to fulf ill legal or academic requirements. And of course, at CJE, there are volunteers who are deeply committed to the Jewish traditions of tzedakah and tikkun olam—the
commandment to repair the world in some way. To Volunteer at CJE. Unaccompanied minors can start to volunteer at age 12, whereas many organizations require someone to be 16. This is because CJE offers many B’nai Mitzvah opportunities. To start the process, people should either go to the website, www.cje.net, and click on “Volunteer” at the top, or call 773.508.1064. After submitting an application and a personal interview to discuss volunteering options, a background check is completed. All newly-recruited volunteers then attend an orientation session to learn more about logistical matters, as well as CJE’s mission, values and vision. Volunteers receive training on HIPAA regulations that govern privacy issues for healthcare recipients. The Volunteer Services Committee provides guidance and support to CJE’s volunteer efforts. It is chaired by Margo Oberman, a CJE Board member, who herself started out as a volunteer delivering meals.
Stepping up to CJE’s Plate: Our Board of Directors by Mary Keen
Corporate Boards often have high-profile members who get paid for their membership. On the other hand, nonprofit Boards, like CJE’s, are composed of volunteers who donate their time for the good of the organization. Indeed, CJE Board members are a selfless, dedicated and hard-working group of elected men and women who are earnest stewards of CJE’s mission, values and vision. Adhering to a set of By-laws, they work closely with CJE’s President and CEO to advance the organization’s overall purpose to “facilitate the independence of older adults to enhance their quality of life by advocating on their behalf.” All possess a sincere desire to help and improve the quality of life of older adults and their families. They have carried out their duties with a clear and compassionate understanding of the challenges of aging and caring for older persons. Their concern for and their knowledge about older adults has often developed through firsthand experience, with many having family members who benefit from our services. The Board’s countless contributions are essential. It provides important financial and fiduciary oversight, and oversees accountability in legal and ethical areas. It contributes to the organization’s financial resources, with annual dues and support of fundraising activities. Finally, the Board is responsible for member recruitment and for advancing community awareness. The CJE Board has an executive committee that includes these 2013 officers:
Bruce J. Lederman, Chair; Stephen P. Sandler, Vice Chair; Vicki Pines, Secretary; and Alan B. Ellenby Treasurer. Ten Board meetings are scheduled per year. The Board has 14 committees, and most work is done at this level. Board members often have specific interests and serve on one or more committees. Some CJE Board committees are: Program, Jewish Values and Ethics, Marketing and Finance. Our Board members represent a wide range of ages and bring a myriad of personal and professional talents to CJE. They embody a cohort of creative and devoted individuals who have excelled in a variety of careers and undertakings. Lawyers, doctors, social workers, educators, clergy, entrepreneurs and business men and women have served and continue to serve in distinguished capacities on the CJE Board. Many Board members are also “hands-on” volunteers at various CJE locations. They provide leadership and knowledge in many areas including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Creative Arts Therapy and a host of innovative projects. Through their membership, CJE’s Board members impact the community considerably as they network with like-minded volunteer leaders in the local nonprofit sector. Members often develop unique bonds with other members due to a shared passion for CJE’s particular cause. From another viewpoint, Board members utilize their “social capital” to introduce their circle of friends, families, synagogue members or business associates to their favorite organization.
“I and the entire CJE organization benefit from the high level of commitment, business expertise and community contacts from our Board members. We have active engagement at our Committee meetings to make better decisions and advance CJE in all areas of strategic planning and operations. I am grateful and respectful of the work of the Board.” —Mark D. Weiner, CJE SeniorLife President and CEO Needless to say, the tireless efforts and substantial time that the Board of CJE SeniorLife has given on behalf of our mission is greatly appreciated. CJE could not purchase the generosity, care, resourcefulness and creativity that our Board members have provided. The contributions of CJE’s Board members are undeniably priceless. See list of CJE Board members on page 12
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CJE SeniorLife Board Of Directors 2013
Top Row L - R: Daniel R. Pollack Dennis M. Kleper Michael D. Blum, M.D. Leonard A. Worsek* Maurice B. Pickard, M.D. Carlton R. Resnick, D.D.S. Bruce J. Lederman, Chair
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Michael E. Koen Alan B. Ellenby, Treasurer Harvey R. Kallick Dennis J. Carlin* Jordy C. Berger Charles M. Bley Robert L. Schlossberg
Gerald D. Blumberg
Middle Row: Vern Gideon Mally Z. Rutkoff * Karen Rosenthal Margo Fried Oberman Sheryl Oberman Sondra Fineberg Kraff
Vicki Pines, Secretary Gila J. Bronner Judith W. Whellan Leslie Markman-Stern
Bottom Row: John E. Pomeranz Joseph J. Cohen Susan Reese
Stephen P. Sandler, Vice Chair Judy L. Smith Kalman Wenig
Not Pictured: Marilyn D. Altman Brett K. Avner, Ph.D. Marc L. Berman
Arnold F. Brookstone* Daniel N. Epstein* James M. Feldman Jeffrey L. Fried* Barbara A. Gilbert* William I. Goldberg* Alan I. Greene* Richard M. Kohn
Jack M. Levin* Kenneth F. Lorch James C. Mills * Steven Rogin David M. Rosenberg Nancy W. Rosenberg Marci L. Shapiro Linda Soreff Siegel
Sherwin J. Stone* Dianne Tesler Randi Urkov Marshall S. Yablon* *Past Board Chair
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Volunteers in Action and others here cannot.” Fay says volunteering gives her something important to do and it keeps her on schedule. Fay believes “Nothing stands still, and if you don’t get up and do something, you’ll just dehydrate and fade away!” Working also keeps her in touch with the times: “It doesn’t keep you young, but you know where you f it in. You get out there and you get to see what’s going on.”
Fay Herbstman has been a volunteer at Lieberman Center for over 10 years, always in the Gift Shop. She comes in once a week from 11:30 until 3:00 p.m. In her work, she’s made many friends and has many regular visitors. “You work here long enough, you get to know what people want. If they can’t come down, you bring it up to them.” Although it’s stocked with lots of things, Fay slyly points out that many of the people who come there don’t really need anything. But she understands why, saying “they need something a little different that takes them away from their confined world… somewhere else to go… other people to see. Because of this, mine is a ‘multipurpose’ job.” Fay on volunteering: “It keeps me going. Spiritually, it means I’m doing a good deed.” She also thinks it makes you appreciate what you have. “I’m blessed because I can do this,
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“You have to be prepared for change because things cannot stay the way they were, says Fay.” Things in the Gift Shop change constantly for Fay who always gets excited when something new comes in. Among other changes, she remembers the f irst television and the time when operators made phone calls. The world is very different place for her and she said she is just happy she can be a part of it. “I can’t complain,” she says. Fay Herbstman turned 91 on May 24, 2013. Born in Romania where her parents were delayed after escaping the Russian pogroms, she was nine months old when they came to the U.S. She worked as bookkeeper at a leather goods store on the south side of Chicago until the f irst of her four children were born. Widowed, she was married over 61 years. She indulges in the love of nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She still “makes” Friday nights, but not for as many as the 22 that she used to host years ago.
Steve Berkowitz is an exuberant, jovial guy who has been volunteering at The Friend Center for Memory Care every Thursday for over eight years. He visits with residents there, schmoozing and telling jokes, and, according to him, they love it: “I’m like their own Henny Youngman or something. I always have jokes for them.” He produces his copy of a dog-eared and bookmarked Encyclopedia of Jokes and explains how he selects five jokes that he tells them every time he comes. He says he can’t tell all of them, saying, “appropriate is fine; but they also seem to like the kind of risqué ones.” Steve explains that he used to play “Wheel of Fortune,” and he was “like their talk show host; I’d joke with them while they played, they’d laugh, and they’d have a lot of fun. Steve says the residents “…really appreciate my visits, they’re so grateful. They also remember me. They really love to laugh and because I make them laugh, they look forward to seeing me.” Considering Friend
Center is for persons with early to mid-stage dementia and other cognitive issues, that says a lot. For the last two years, Steve has been bringing his dog Benjie as his sidekick. Benjie, is an adorable Lhaso Apso-Shih Tzu mix. He got Benjie after another dog didn’t work out, and that false start turned out to be a blessing, “ because Benjie is the best dog ever, and I wanted a dog that I could bring to Friend Center,” says Steve. “All he does is wag his tail!” Apparently Benjie is almost more popular than Steve— the residents love him. Steve says when Benjie is brought to a group, the people just light up. He can be very therapeutic. Benjie has actually gotten some residents out of their rooms. Steve Berkowitz first came as a volunteer to Weinberg Community eight years ago for a one-time stint for Israeli Solidarity Day. One of the reasons he got involved was very personal. He explains that his mother in Connecticut was dying at the time. Being far away in Chicago and feeling powerless about that, he decided to help out with older people as a way of honoring her and giving back to her. They assigned him to Weinberg Community. He was given a choice of helping out at Gidwitz Place or Friend Center, and he decided he’d like to be with persons with Alzheimer’s. Steve Berkowitz is married with kids and lives near Weinberg
Community. He is a merchandise rep for an apparel manufacturer. This allows him to work at home and makes him flexible for time with his children, for volunteering and, of course, for Benjie.
older people who are less fortunate. Older people are not respected enough, and they deserve my time.” Lieberman Center is now very special to her. She has made many friends among the residents. She sees them in different activities, or walking in the hallways. Sometime she’ll pop her head into their rooms and say “hi.” When she decided to volunteer for CJE, she researched it on the Internet and was directed to Volunteer Services. On her first day, Gina decided that she wanted to help in the Lieberman Library. Ever since, Gina spends her time there, helping move books, sorting, cleaning up stacks and much more.
Gina Simon graduated last year from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. She started volunteering last summer at Lieberman Center while her grandmother was a resident there. Gina noticed how very friendly everyone was, and how well they treated her grandmother— with such respect and kindness. Staff also helped her grandmother, who was very stubborn and didn’t want to admit that she needed help. But staff helped her anyway, and her grandmother began to come to terms with the idea she needed assistance. That experience inspired Gina to volunteer. When asked why she volunteers, Gina explains that the spirit of giving back was instilled in her at college. She continues, “It’s also something I like to do— to help
Gina Simon is 23 and lives in Winnetka with her parents. She is a Communications major and she is currently considering her career options. While she does that, her volunteering is the perfect thing to do before, during and after a job!
Irv Domsky (left) and Jack Cooper (right) have worked together in the closed confines of a car for over eight years,
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Volunteers in Action (con’t.) volunteering for Home-Delivered Meals. After hearing this, you expect them to finish each other’s sentences. But they both sat silently while the other talked, waiting for their turns. Irv: We weren’t delivering together at first. I started a little over 10 years ago. I had just retired, and my wife saw an ad for volunteers in the “Jewish News.” She said “You might enjoy doing this.” I took the hint. I said something to Jack about it, and he started driving with me. We’ve been delivering together ever since.
make sure I do the good deeds. Irv: Staying busy helps with longevity. Jack: They give us a list of stops and we drive to them. We don’t have to do any brainwork.
area. Jack began writing little stories for his grandchildren, and, after being urged to put them into a book, he published Who Knew? Unusual Stories of Jewish History. He is currently writing another one saying “It keeps me out of bars. So I read and write and I run with Irv.”
Irv: We don’t need GPS; not after driving around in Skokie and other places for years. Irv: Sometimes we are the only people that someone will see in days. If we see someone who doesn’t look too well, we call them in.
Jack: He drives, I run. Irv: We don’t deliver every day. We’re “occasional” delivery people. They call when they need us, so it can be any day or route. It averages at least once a week, but it varies—like last week, we worked three times in eight days.
Jack: I was born in 1933. People often ask us why Irv always drives, and I say “because he’s 83 and I’m 80.” Irv: We’re going to keep going as long as the car keeps running! Jack: See you in a mile.
Jack: My two daughters-in-law signed on to deliver meals at no urging from me. They came on their own. I knew they were smart because they were wise enough to marry my sons. Irv: I volunteer to get a free lunch once a year. (Irv refers, tongue-in-cheek, to the Volunteer Appreciation events.) Jack: I do it to assuage my fears. As most people know, at Yom Kippur, the prayer says to do charity and good deeds to “avert the evil decree.” Well, I’m always a little short on prayer, so I have to
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Irv Domsky moved to Chicago from Racine, Wisconsin in 1960. He is now retired. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Irv ran a lab that tested for chemicals in buildings and soil. With seven grown children, Irv spends a lot of time playing chess with his grandchildren and enjoys playing bridge. Jack Cooper, from Chicago, began as a teacher in the Chicago schools, then became a principal. After that he taught GED prep at Truman Community College. He has three children and seven grandchildren, all in the Chicago
Terry Finkel, upon retirement, wanted more to do and, 10 years ago, he began volunteering for CJE. He has volunteered the last two years at Adult Day Services (ADS) in Evanston, coming in one day a week to help prepare and serve lunch. He also helps someone on the computer. He got to CJE by googling “nonprofits.” Seeing CJE, he made a conscious decision to work with the elderly. He explains that both his parents died rather young, and, “I never had the fortunate (or unfortunate) experience of caring for older parents into their 80s and 90s, with all the trials and tribulations that come with that.” He was interested in seeing what it was like being a caregiver and assisting with the elderly, as well
I’ve volunteered for CJE for over 40 years now. Every Monday I have a group called “Topics of Jewish Interest with Sashie.” I am also on the Board and on several Board committees. I like to say I get paid “nachas” and when I work weekends I get “double nachas!” — Sashie Kraff, CJE Board Member and Volunteer as helping an organization that provides services for people with Alzheimer’s and cognitive issues.
working out. He goes to DePaul’s gym for its convenience and lack of vanity among the students.
He recognizes how important it is for the elderly to spend time with stimulating and engaging people; how ADS takes them out of their sometimes passive home environment. Terry says he engages the participants and tries to make connections as part of his contribution, “If I can put a smile on their face—even get them to laugh—that’s the best. That sums up my thing.” Volunteering also feeds Terry’s interest in getting deeper into elderly peoples’ lives, finding out what they’re feeling. He tells how he’s seen all the extremes on the spectrum of feelings among the elderly. He remembers a senior who “couldn’t stand to get up in the morning.” He compares this with a 90-year-old woman who’s “spry, spunky and articulate; who says she can’t wait to get up in the morning to embrace the day, because every day she’s got a little less time than the day before.” That 90-year-old made a big impression on Terry, and he tries to emulate her enthusiasm for life. Terry was born in Brooklyn and moved to Toronto in 1974 to practice law. In 2002 after retiring, he came to Chicago. He lives in the DePaul area and he enjoys golf, fishing and
Stewart Schram. As a businessman, Stewart Schram makes a promise to his clients that they can “count on his company for more than numbers.” With his volunteer work at CJE SeniorLife as evidence, we know that Stewart keeps his promises. For the past 13 years, Stewart has logged in countless hours as a volunteer at CJE’s Robineau Residence in Skokie, a unique group home where 24 older adults live independently with support services, social activities and lots of undivided attention from staff and volunteers. He also contributes his creative ideas as a “community member” on the CJE Volunteer Services Committee. Stewart’s volunteer commitment to CJE was ignited over a decade
ago when his mother moved, with initial reluctance, from her Skokie apartment to Robineau where she lived a meaningful and engaged life until she passed away three years later. Before making the transition to Robineau, Stewart realized that his mom was getting old before her time by not having enough interaction with people. This all changed once she met friends at Robineau and attended many of the social opportunities, including “Fun with Stewart,” an hour-long program that Stewart has been leading monthly with the much-appreciated assistance of friends and associates from Temple Beth-El in Northbrook. It is apparent that Stewart is delighted that his volunteer contribution can enrich the quality of life for Robineau residents who look forward to his visits. His eyes light up when he talks about the activities that comprise “Fun with Stewart,” like the ever-popular Jewish bingo or annual trip to a local deli. He also does a knockoff of “Ask Amy” by asking the Robineau seniors to provide their answers to questions submitted to the newspaper advice columnist (needless to say, their answers are usually quite different than the ones that are published!). Overall, the “love and affection” that he feels after each encounter… whether it’s a heated discussion about world events or the annual
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Volunteers in Action (con’t) Hanukkah party featuring dancing dogs… is “priceless.” How does a busy businessman, devoted father, husband, grandfather, active synagogue member and homeowner’s association board member find the time to also volunteer for CJE? This is when Stewart Schram stops counting. His message is clear… “I volunteer out of gratitude, respect and honor… for my mother and other seniors like her. I am a CJE SeniorLife volunteer and I make a difference.” Stewart Schram is president of Stewart Schram Financial Services, Inc.
Judy Smith takes her volunteer work at CJE very seriously. But when she talks about the Great Decisions program she runs at Gidwitz Place every other week, her face brightens with love and joy for the seniors who look forward to sharing this time with her. For over seven years, Judy has spent an average of five hours a week just planning this unique discussion group
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which is often based on the viewing of a DVD about an important moment in history. But Judy also scours newspapers and magazines for topical subjects, often with a Jewish theme, that can spur a heated debate among the 15 to 25 Gidwitz residents who regularly attend these sessions. Judy smiles when she adds, “The truth is, I learn just as much from them. I meet so many interesting people who have led incredible lives. It’s funny— they tell me how much they would miss me if I weren’t here. But I would miss them just as much.” In addition to this commitment, Judy has been a CJE Board member for about ten years. She initially learned about CJE through her involvement with the JUF/Jewish Federation. Starting as a third-year law school student in 1979, she was very active in the JUF Young Leadership Division which is where she also first met fellow YLD participant, Mark Weiner (who went on to become CJE’s president and CEO in 2004). She then served in various leadership roles on the Federation Board of Directors, including the Women’s Division Board, for more than 15 years before stepping down to explore new possibilities. Always holding a special place in her heart for older
adults, it seemed like a perfect fit when she was asked in 2003 by CJE’s Nominating Committee to join its Board of Directors. Judy brings a unique blend of experiences to her role as a CJE Board member where she has been elected several times as an off icer. With a law degree, highly developed leadership skills honed from her work at the Jewish Federation, hands-on volunteer work and an overarching devotion to the elderly, Judy really understands the challenges facing older adults. She readily admits that her experiences with Gidwitz residents contribute to a deeper appreciation of the transitions that accompany aging. In turn, this makes her a very engaged and enlightened Board member. “I am so honored to have the opportunity to volunteer for CJE as a Board member and at Gidwitz Place. My volunteer work enriches my life on so many levels; I definitely feel that I “get back” much more than I give. The Gidwitz residents kiss and hug me after the hour we spend together. They are a mirror to how I want to age… with equal measures of dignity and grace.”
“When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” —Abraham Joshua Heschel
Functional, Fun, and Free Mobile Apps for Boomers By Nicole Bruce
You might have heard the saying, “There’s an app for that,” but how do you know which are worth the time and space on your
device? Your phone or tablet can be a valuable tool for getting information, organizing, and staying healthy. Keep reading to discover an
assortment of some popular and useful senior-friendly apps (geek tested, grandma approved)!
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Older Adults Get Wired with Virtua
New Technology Enables Participation in Enriching Programs a By Nicole Bruce
video windows across the bottom of the computer screen with their names underneath. “The computer is voice activated, so the video image of the speaker will grow larger so people can see him or her better,” says Gerri Fiterman-Persin, CJE’s Center for Healthy Living Manager. Participants can also connect to family, friends, and the community through email, Skype, Facebook and Internet news.
Studies have shown that seniors who engage with technology have higher self-esteem and greater social interaction compared with those who don’t. However, many find it difficult to do so because of limited finances or learning options, impaired vision, hearing, cognition or manual dexterity, and privacy concerns or other fears. The Virtual Senior Center is an innovative, new CJE program based on the demonstration project made possible by a partnership between Self help Community Services in New York, Microsoft, the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA), Department of Information Technology and
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Telecommunications (DoITT) and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Through the technology of interactive web-based classes and events, it aims to enhance the lives of homebound older adults through socialization, learning and civic engagement. Self help invited CJE and two other senior organizations in Washington, D.C. and San Diego to partner in order to test it. With their computers, participants can join an interactive class in which they can participate as if they are physically present. Upon joining the group, the instructor in a large window on the screen greets them. Participants, who join remotely, are shown in smaller
CJE will produce its own programs in which homebound seniors can participate. CJE’s Center for Healthy Living will offer live classes, such as A Matter of Balance, Take Charge of Your Health, Total Memory Workout, Healthy Eating, etc. Participants will also have access to CJE classes from sites at the Bernard Horwich JCC, Weinberg Community for Senior Living, and Adult Day Services in Evanston, including music and nutrition classes, museum lectures and news discussion groups. CJE participants will have access to the classes offered from the partner centers in New York, Chicago, San Diego, and Washington, D.C. and vice versa. “Our goal is to bring isolated older adults back into the fold of the community by offering them the opportunity to participate virtually in educational and social programs,” says Fiterman-Persin.
al Senior Center
and Social Activities from the Comfort of your Home
The computer provides a secure network and easy web navigation, using text, color and graphics to create easily identifiable Internet pathways, making browsing more intuitive for seniors. “New users or those with low-vision should not hold back. The senior-friendly interface is very easy, already configured with participant names. As soon as it’s turned on, they can start. The touch screen is also configured for a more userfriendly three-finger touch instead of the typical one-finger touch, which is known to frustrate those with low dexterity,” says FitermanPersin. And each participant will
work with a volunteer ‘tech buddy’ if issues do arise. To participate, one must have an interest in using the Virtual Senior Center computer for a minimum of 30 hours per month over a six month period. “We want to involve older adults who might not have had the opportunity to use a computer before, and those who are stuck at home due to physical challenges. We’re also looking at caregivers, who might be isolated as the result of caring for a loved one,” says Fiterman-Persin.
Social engagement is especially important for older adults, particularly those who depend on remote family members for support or who are going through life transitions such as the loss of a spouse. The potential benefits of the Virtual Senior Center are numerous: increased socialization, decreased depression, opportunities for continued education and brain health and a sense of purpose, all while gaining new skills. To find out more about the Virtual Senior Center initiative, please call 773.508.1134 or email Kathleen.Fischer@cje.net.
Want to Participate in the Virtual Senior Center? Now Accepting Applications! Participants Wanted!
Volunteers Wanted!
We are looking for homebound adults, 65+ years of age, to take part in this free program that will let you view and participate in interesting, varied programs from CJE and other agencies serving older adults from around the country—all in the comfort of your own home. You will receive an easy-to-use touch screen computer complete with Internet connectivity. In-home Technical Support is provided for setup, training and questions.
Technically-savvy persons are also needed to help set up computers in peoples’ homes and connect them to Internet (if account exists) or assist in make Internet arrangements. We also need Helpdesk volunteers to field technical questions on the phone or by Skype with older adults. Moderate to high level of computer knowledge is required.
If you or someone you know would be a good match for either of these opportunities, please contact us.
Call 773.508.1134 or email Kathleen.fischer@cje.net to inquire about either of these opportunities.
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TIKKUN OLAM
A Family Dedicated to the Deeds of Giving by Carole Klein-Alexander
Throughout Jewish literature and liturgy, the belief that actions speak louder than words is a common theme. Jewish children learn at an early age that tzedakah—the ultimate “action”— is not a choice; it is one of the 613 mitzvot or obligations we live by. Tzedekah means “righteous behavior.” We perform acts of tzedakah to make a difference and create a better world. Tzedakah is not only about financial help, it’s also about making people feel good.
Dr. Janice Feinberg
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For several years, Janice Feinberg, Pharm.D., J.D., had been hearing from her friend Dianne Tesler, CJE Board member and consummate volunteer, of the compassionate care that CJE’s staff was providing to Dianne’s mother at Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation. So in 2006 when another Board member and friend, Jim Mills, Chair of Celebrate CJE’s inaugural event, invited Dr. Feinberg, president of The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, to attend the festivities… how could she say no? Since then, after learning even more about all the “good deeds” that CJE staff provides throughout its continuum of care, the relationship between The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg
Foundation and CJE SeniorLife has flourished. With the Feinberg Foundation’s annual gift, allocated to general operating funds, CJE has more resources to deliver critical services and programs to seniors who depend on us. Dr. Feinberg has a unique perspective on the struggles facing many nonprofits that provide health and human services. She served as Executive Director, and more recently, Research Director, at the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation, which has a history of leadership, innovation, and expertise in medicines and aging. From her years working in the aging network, Dr. Feinberg is well aware of the challenges that the growing number of seniors will place on our health care system. Boomers, in particular, will feel the crunch the most and she believes that organizations like CJE have developed meaningful ways to allow seniors to age in place with dignity. As part of the Sandwich Generation, many Boomers are especially vulnerable because they are dual caregivers—of their children and their aging parents. At the same time, they may feel the pressure of planning for
“CJE does an impressive job of trying to meet the needs of older adults…it provides a wide range of needed services to the most vulnerable… under the direction of creative, responsive leadership.” — Janice Feinberg their own retirement years. The Feinberg family, including Dr. Feinberg’s brother, Joseph, and his wife Rhonda who live in Los Angeles, are deeply committed to philanthropy and keenly aware of the responsibility that has passed to them as stewards of the Feinberg Foundation. In 1969, the Feinberg brothers—Bernard, Louis, Reuben, and Samuel— established The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation in memory of their parents. Throughout the years the Feinberg Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to religious, healthcare and educational organizations. After her uncle Reuben’s death in 2002, Dr. Feinberg took on the role of Foundation president and along with her brother and sister-inlaw, continues the tradition of supporting worthy causes that mostly benefit Chicago-area residents. We are honored to know that Dr. Feinberg’s confidence in the leadership and mission of CJE is unwavering. Dr. Feinberg, an ardent denizen of Chicago, is a frequent speaker and writer on topics relating to medication use in older adults, geriatrics and long-term care. The recipient of many awards and honors, Dr. Feinberg has authored more than 90 articles published in the pharmacy and health care literature.
Yes, it is true that actions do speak louder than words. The initial action of Lieberman staff providing excellent care to a beloved mother sparked the impetus for a charitable gift by The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation… the ultimate tzedakah, which in turn has allowed CJE to provide vital resources to those in need. We are so very grateful to Dr. Feinberg and her commitment to CJE, evidenced by The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation’s generous annual contribution in support of CJE SeniorLife’s mission to enrich and enhance the lives of older adults.
“When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from that grantor's gift.” —Maya Angelou
Call for Artists: “Art and Parkinson’s” Art Fair Persons living with Parkinson's Disease are invited to participate in a special Art Fair. Please register to display a piece of artwork, a sculpture or a handicraft by Monday, July 15, 2013. For registration information or questions, please call 630.933.4383. Invitation to Public: Please come see the Art Fair, showcasing the works of art created by persons living with Parkinson’s. It will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2013, Weinberg Community for Senior Living, 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL. Sponsored by CJE SeniorLife and American Parkinson’s Disease Association
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The Caregiving Coach by Barbara Rabyne Q. Can you give me some suggestions for stimulating activities and recipes for my 96-year-old mother. She lives at home with paid caregivers, and I live in New York. On a recent visit, I noticed how listless and thin she had become. It seems her days were long, isolating and far too quiet with little interaction or stimulation. Plus, she had lost interest in eating. —Daughter, New York City A. Your Eldercare Consultants can help turn this situation around. We can develop a rapport with your mom’s caregivers, teaching them how to use games, reading and activity to stimulate her memory. We can even help “supervise” caregivers on your behalf. We can also arrange for a dietary consultation so that her caregivers can prepare several new, more appealing menu options. We can also guide the caregivers in how to prepare thickened foods, if swallowing becomes difficult. We also recommend the video phone calling system called Skype. We can set it up and facilitate it for you and your mother. That way, you will see your mom in her home setting and you can monitor her appearance and mood. Q. Can you make occasional wellness checks for our elderly mom in Chicago? My sister and I live in the suburbs and have worked out a good schedule to visit her, but once we both
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needed to go out of town for ten days. We called her while we were gone, but her hearing on the phone wasn’t great. We decided we really needed someone to check in on her inperson when we go out of town. —Son and Daughter, Northbrook A. Your Eldercare Consultants can be your “eyes and ears” when you are out of town for any length of time. Our team can check in on your mother and make sure she takes her medicine, and that she has enough food in the house. We can also ease her mind and reassure her that we’ll be available to assist her if she becomes ill while you are out of town. Q. We’d like to plan ahead regarding our elderly father. He has a will, but we know there is more needed. Can you tell us what other important legal issues we need to address? — Family of 80-year-old man, Skokie A. You are wise to anticipate that your father will need your help as he ages, and it’s good that the siblings are willing to initiate this “sensitive” conversation. Before you start, we recommend that you talk to Your Eldercare Consultants to help set an agenda for comprehensive eldercare planning. We can serve as a solutions specialist, particularly when family members disagree or have difficulty collaborating.
When planning in advance these are documents and actions you will need to consider. Advance Directives This is a general term describing an assortment of written instructions about who will represent a person who becomes unable to speak for himself or manage his financial affairs. They include: • A Living Will—Guides family, friends and physicians about how an individual would want to be treated if seriously ill and unable to express their own wishes. • Power of Attorney for Health Care forms—Designate a spokesperson for medical treatments in case of incapacitating illness or injury. This person may also be known as the “health care proxy,” surrogate or agent. • Power of Attorney for Property forms— Designate a representative to handle and execute specific tasks related to finances when necessary. Tasks might include signing checks, paying bills, spending funds, selling property. • A Do Not Resuscitate order— Governs efforts to revive gravely ill individuals who are Continued on page 28
LiFE EnriChMEnT | SUpporTivE rESoUrCES | hEaLThCarE | rESEarCh & EdUCaTion
Your Eldercare Consultants Announces… our brand new website is
Featuring:
• G uidance on planning ahead to manage the transitions of aging • Updated caregiving resources and information • User-friendly design
Your Eldercare Consultants are professional geriatric care managers with advanced training in social work and gerontology. visit our new website to get practical advice and learn more about how our team can relieve the stress of caregiving by: • Providing consultations, evaluations, care planning, information and referrals. • Working with families and older loved ones to manage the uncertainties ahead or solve immediate problems. • Developing a plan of action in case the “what ifs” become a reality. We work with families throughout metropolitan Chicago and long-distance caregivers throughout the country.
Visit us online at www.YourEldercareConsultants.com Your Eldercare Consultants is an affiliate of CJE Senior LifeTM, a partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. 5.2013
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June 4 Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story FREE Blood Pressure Screenings 12:45 – 3:00 p.m. H 6 Defeating Diabetes FREE diabetes screening utilizing glucose and A1-C tests. 4–6:00 p.m. H 7 Western Barbeque Open to public. RSVP to 847.236.7842 Dietary Laws are observed. 11:15 a.m. W 11 Summer Film Series: The Little Traitor Temple Sholom. 3480 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Call 773.508.1079. 1–4:00 p.m. 13 Susan Benjamin Presents, “Sammy Davis” 2–3:00 p.m. W
29 Richard Klein presents, “Jewish Refugees In Shanghai” 2–3:00 p.m. W
11 The “Art” of Living with Parkinson’s Disease Art Exhibition and Reception featuring original artwork by people living with Parkinson’s Disease. Call 630.933.4388. 1–4:00 p.m. W
Arthritis Exercise Glenview Senior Center 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview Mondays, June 10–July 29, For registration and fees please call 847.724.4793 9:30-10:30 a.m.
20 FARMER’S MARKET 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. W
15 FARMER’S MARKET 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. W
20 Supporting a Family Member Living with Mental Illness Call 773.508.1694 10:30 a.m.–Noon. H
24 Jeff and Janis, popular Jewish vocalists, present a variety of Broadway and Popular Tunes 2–3:00 p.m. W
9 Summer Film Series: Arranged Temple Sholom. 3480 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Call 773.508.1079. 1–4:00 p.m.
Writing Workshop with Les Mitnick May 1 & 29; June 5, 12 & 26 Call for 773.508.1000 for more information. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
4 Vocalist Lena Gera presents a progam of Broadway and Yiddish Tunes 2–3:00 p.m. W
August
20 The Cello and Piano of Yan Maksin and Ani Godova 2–3:00 p.m. W
7 Guitar and Vocals of Dan Sullivan 2–3:00 p.m. W
Classes
Total Memory Workout Northbrook Senior Center, 3323 Walters, Northbrook $65 Fee. Register by calling 847.291.2988. Tuesdays, June 11–July 16 10:30 a.m.–Noon.
13 What They Didn’t Tell You in Religious School: Why We Do What We Do Emanuel Congregation, 5959 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago Call 773.508.1079. 1–2:15 p.m.
July
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18 Administering a Special Needs Trust Call 773.508.1694 10:30 a.m. – Noon. H
27 Summer Bash Jewish Child & Family Services, Joy Faith Knapp Center. 3145 West Pratt Boulevard, Chicago. RSVP by July 31, 2013 to Erin Sharp at 773.508.1121. 6 – 8:00 p.m.
Hands on Technology Tuesdays. July 16–30. $10 per session. Call 773.508.1073 to register. 1:30 p.m. H Take Charge of Your Diabetes Thursdays, July 11- August 15 FREE Registration required. 773.508.1073 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. L
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS July 4 Independence Day
WWW.CJE.NET/LIFE
CJE SeniorLife offers ongoing support groups and programs, which are subject to change. All programs are free unless indicated. Some fees may be partially covered by Medicare or private insurance.
PROGRAMS There’s No Place Like Home Programs, classes, outtings, support groups in Edgewater Community. Call 773.508.1089 for dates and times.
The Lake Mercaz Center for Jewish Adults Sponsored by CJE, Anshe Emet, Anshe Sholom, Emanuel Congregation, and Temple Sholom. Call 773.508.1079 June 11, July 9, August 13
Bereavement Support Group Sponsored by CJE SeniorLife and Jewish Healing Network. $5 per session. Registration required, RSVP to 773.508.1129 Wednesdays, 1 – 2:30 p.m. H
Holocaust Survivors: Coffee & Conversation Sponsored by CJE SeniorLife and Jewish Child and Family Services
Individuals Who Care for Someone with Dementia Led by social workers Nina Afremow, and Emily Mysel Call 847.236.7853 First Wednesday of the month. 7 – 8:30 p.m. W
Making Connections: Seniors with Adult Children with Disabilities Connect, share and learn. Register to 773.508.1694 June 4 and 18, July 2 and 16, August 6 and 20, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. H
Thursdays, 2 – 3:30 p.m. 3145 W. Pratt, Chicago Register to 847.568.5100
Community Senior Adults Lunch, socializing. $40 annually. Call 773.508.1047 Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. L Scrabble Club Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. H
SUPPORT GROUPS
Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group For caregivers of persons with Parkinson’s Disease. Register to 847.236.7853. Third Tuesday of every month 7 – 8:30 p.m. W
A Adult Day Services, 1015 West Howard Street, Evanston 847.492.1400 H Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 West Touhy Avenue, Chicago 773.508.1000 L Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation, 9700 Gross Point Road, Skokie 847.929.3320 W Weinberg Community for Senior Living, 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield 847.374.0500
Mondays, 1 – 2:30 p.m. 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie Register to 847.568.5200
Family Caregivers of CJE Adult Day Services Clients Support and information. Preregistration required for loved one to participate in CJE’s Adult Day programs. Register to 847.556.8410. Second Tuesday of every month, 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. A
Caregiver Support Group Led by Bethany Relyea, L.C.S.W. Call 847.929.3248 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. 2nd Floor Classroom. 5–6:00 p.m. L Coping With the Stress of Aging Meet with others age 60+. Covered by Medicare and secondary insurance (with advance screening ). Wednesdays. Call 773.508.1088 11 – 12:15 p.m. H
Please call 773.508.1000 for more information about the summer schedule, or check our online calendar at www.cje.net. 27
Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Chicago, IL Permit No. 1710
3003 West Touhy Avenue Chicago, IL 60645 773.508.1000 www.cje.net lifemag@cje.net
CJE SeniorLifeTM is a partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
The Caregiving Coach (con’t.) approaching—or in—cardiopulmonary arrest. It must be signed by a physician. Trusts, Estate Planning and Guardianship Costs of late life care can be quite expensive. Financial plan should be developed early in order to reserve assets for that period of life. When an older individual’s judgment and ability to think clearly have declined, a need for guardianship emerges. It’s a complicated legal proceeding
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meant to protect the rights and welfare of individuals who cannot make reasoned healthcare and f inancial decisions. We recommend working with specially trained or credentialed attorneys and f inancial professionals experienced in estate planning and elder law. Medicaid, Spousal Impoverishment and “Spend Down” Planning Many families find that they have exhausted most of their assets over time and can no
longer afford to pay for a loved one’s skilled or long-term care. Eldercare attorneys are equipped to assist by completing documents that protect some assets for the benefit of a spouse who will continue to live in the community and with pre-planning for Medicaid applications. Consumer Assistance programs can also help. For more information, please go to our new website at www. YourEldercareConsultants.com or call 773.508.1015.